here in the united states white house flags were lowered on the order of president obama. up on capitol hill house speaker john boehner issued a similar request. in johannesburg crowds have been gathering since mandela's death was announced. arwa damon is on the scene for us. there's been a flurry of emotions from mourners, some in tears, others celebrating the life of their beloved former leader through song and dance. tell us what you are seeing and hearing. ♪ >> reporter: well wolf, this is still a country that is very much processing what has taken place, and if you just take a look, this has been the atmosphere here in johannesburg outside of nelson mandela's home where he did spend his final months and weeks and moments, when he was under intensive care, passing away in the house just down the street here, and this has become something of a makeshift gathering point for all involved, there's been a lot of singing, dancing, chanting, a lot of celebrating at this stage, a man to whom this nation everyone we've spoken to will tell you owes just about everything. we've